U.S. patent application number 11/807625 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for barcode image generating apparatus and method of generating barcode image.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.. Invention is credited to Yoshio Komaki.
Application Number | 20070278305 11/807625 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38788960 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070278305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Komaki; Yoshio |
December 6, 2007 |
Barcode image generating apparatus and method of generating barcode
image
Abstract
A barcode image generating apparatus and barcode image
generating method capable of generating a barcode image containing
an adequate visual expression conforming to the barcode contents. A
meaningful feature related to the barcode description is extracted
and the visual expression specification is determined based on this
feature, whereby a barcode image is generated in conformity to the
visual expression specification.
Inventors: |
Komaki; Yoshio;
(Nishinomiya-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP
717 NORTH HARWOOD, SUITE 3400
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Assignee: |
KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS,
INC.
|
Family ID: |
38788960 |
Appl. No.: |
11/807625 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/462.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/06056 20130101;
G06K 19/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/462.01 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2006 |
JP |
2006-157018 |
Claims
1. A barcode image generating apparatus, comprising: a barcode
image generation section which generates a barcode based on a
barcode ID; a feature input section which inputs a meaningful
feature related to the barcode image; and a visual expression
determination section which determines a visual expression
specification of the barcode image based on the meaningful feature
inputted by the feature input section, wherein the barcode
generating section generates a basic barcode image based on the
barcode ID, and generates the barcode by having the visual
expression specification determined by the visual expression
determination section be reflected in the basic barcode.
2. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
barcode image generation section determines the barcode ID based on
the visual expression specification.
3. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
feature input section extracts and inputs a meaningful feature of
contents referred by the barcode image.
4. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 3, the feature
input section extracts the meaningful feature by searching one of
or a combination of an image data and a character-string included
in the contents and a meaningful character-string included in an
address indicating the contents.
5. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the
visual expression determination section searches one of or a
combination of a feature keyword, presence or absence of a
particular image, and a particular domain based on the meaningful
feature inputted by the feature input section, and determines an
expression pattern as the visual expression specification of the
barcode image based on a searched result.
6. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein an
expression pattern as the visual expression specification of the
barcode image restricts coloration of the barcode image.
7. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the
expression pattern as the visual expression specification of the
barcode image includes one of or a combination of an expression
specification which contains at least one of coloration, size,
shape, and circumferential color of each cell constituting the
barcode image, and an expression specification which contains at
least one of a design showing a letter and a figure of the whole
barcode image, a background of the cell, and a boundary between the
barcode image and a surround thereof.
8. The barcode image generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
barcode image generation section generates the barcode image by
synthesizing the basic barcode image, a mask image for generating a
barcode, and an expression pattern as the visual expression
specification determined by the visual expression determination
section.
9. A method of generating a barcode image, the method comprising
the steps of: generating the barcode image based on a barcode ID;
inputting a meaningful feature related to the barcode image; and
determining a visual expression specification of the barcode image
based on the meaningful feature inputted in the step of inputting a
meaningful feature, wherein in the step of generating a barcode
image, generating a basic barcode image based on the barcode ID,
and generating the barcode by having the visual expression
specification determined by the visual expression determination
section be reflected in the basic barcode.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein in the step of generating the
barcode image, determining the barcode ID based on the visual
expression specification.
11. The method of claim 9, in the step of inputting a meaningful
feature, extracting and inputting a meaningful feature of contents
referred by the barcode image.
12. The method of claim 11, in the step of inputting a meaningful
feature, extracting the meaningful feature by searching one of or a
combination of an image data and a character-string included in the
contents and a meaningful character-string included in an address
indicating the contents.
13. The method of claim 12, in the step of determining a visual
expression specification, searching one of or a combination of a
feature keyword, presence or absence of a particular image, and a
particular domain based on the meaningful feature inputted by the
feature input section, and determining an expression pattern as the
visual expression specification of the barcode image based on a
searched result.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein an expression pattern as the
visual expression specification of the barcode image restricts
coloration of the barcode image.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the expression pattern as the
visual expression specification of the barcode image includes one
of or a combination of an expression specification which contains
at least one of coloration, size, shape, and circumferential color
of each cell constituting the barcode image, and an expression
specification which contains at least one of a design showing a
letter and a figure of the whole barcode image, a background of the
cell, and a boundary between the barcode image and a surround
thereof.
16. The image of claim 9, wherein in the step of generating a
barcode image, generating the barcode image by synthesizing the
basic barcode image, a mask image for generating a barcode, and an
expression pattern as the visual expression specification
determined by the visual expression determination section.
Description
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No.
2006-157018 filed on Jun. 6, 2006, in Japanese Patent Office, the
entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a barcode image generating
apparatus for generating a barcode image wherein information is
contained in the image pattern, and a method of the generating a
barcode image.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Recent years have witnessed a widespread use of a barcode
system wherein striped pattern images of bars (black lines) and
spaces (white or background colors) are associated with and
replaced with numerals, characters and symbols so that the
information can be automatically read from the pattern image by
machines.
[0004] In such a barcode system, the barcode image is printed on
paper, plastics and other media, whereby the information such as an
identification number and order number to be read by the machine
can be accurately inputted in the system without requiring time and
effort. FIG. 21 (a) shows the examples of such barcodes. The
reference numeral 41 of FIG. 21 (a) denotes a barcode representing
a general bar and space pattern, and 42 indicates a two-dimensional
barcode that has come into frequent use in recent years.
[0005] Such a conventional barcode having been used in the factory
as intended in the beginning has come to be used in a more
extensive range in the way the barcode is included in part of the
meaningful image for users exemplified by printed matter, home
page, ticket, product package, image for cellular mobile telephone
and TV image. FIG. 21 (b) shows the example 43 additionally printed
on the document image, and the example 44 expressing the input
image by the cellular mobile telephone.
[0006] In this manner, when a barcode image is added as part of the
item or image meaningful to a user, the user is provided with
wide-ranging applications. For example, the user can refer to the
related information through the Web or can easily input the
telephone number and URL address using the apparatus such as a
cellular mobile telephone having a barcode reading function.
[0007] When such an application is assumed, the user is required to
identify the barcode image and actively read out the barcode image.
However, the image itself of the conventional barcode has not been
considered as an object to be identified by humans and has been
meaningless and difficult to identify. Although the barcode is
recognizable as a barcode to the user, identification of the
contents is not possible. It is considered only as an object of an
reading operation by a machine. In some cases, the contents having
been read by spending time and labor are found to be different from
the expected contents.
[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, efforts have been made
to develop a technique that gives expression for visual
identification to the barcode image (e.g., Japanese Registration
Patent No. 3336311).
[0009] Japanese Registration Patent No. 3336311 proposes the
technique wherein a color barcode is used to read the information
by the arrangement of the colors of the cells constituting the
barcode image. In such a system, if only the arrangement of colors
for each cell required for reading is provided, free designing of
the color, shape, size and background color can be ensured to
provide a meaningful form of barcode images that can be visually
identified by the user.
[0010] FIG. 21 (c) shows an example of the color barcode. The
reference numeral 45 denotes the color barcode made up of 5.times.5
cells. In each cell color arrangement, four colors R, G, B and Bk
(red, green, blue and black) shown in 31a are arranged. For
example, the form visually significant to humans as the overall
image can be obtained by deforming the shape and dimensions of each
cell, without losing the machine readability.
[0011] However, there has been no simple method for adequately
setting the visual expression of such a color barcode in response
to the content of a barcode. Uniform designing of the color barcode
cannot be achieved. At present, a great number of man-hours by
human labor must be used for each case. Thus, in the visual
expression of the color barcode, a small number of fixed designs,
such as the logo design of a private company, not directly related
to the content expressed by the barcode have been used in many
cases.
[0012] In this context, there has been an intense demand for an
apparatus and method capable of converting the visual expression of
the color barcode into the form conforming to the content
represented by the barcode, whereby this expression can be easily
formed as a barcode image.
[0013] As described above, when the barcode image is provided with
the visual expression, the user can predict the results of reading
free from anxiety. However, the conventional art has failed to
provide the apparatus and method capable of easy designing of the
visual expression suitable to the content represented by the
barcode image.
SUMMARY
[0014] An object of the present invention is to solve the
aforementioned problems and to provide a barcode image generating
apparatus and a barcode image generating method capable of easy
generation of the barcode image equipped with the visual expression
conforming to the content of the barcode. In view of forgoing, one
embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention is a
barcode image generating apparatus, comprising:
[0015] a barcode image generation section which generates a barcode
based on a barcode ID;
[0016] a feature input section which inputs a meaningful feature
related to the barcode image; and
[0017] a visual expression determination section which determines a
visual expression specification of the barcode image based on the
meaningful feature inputted by the feature input section,
[0018] wherein the barcode generating section generates a basic
barcode image based on the barcode ID, and generates the barcode by
having the visual expression specification determined by the visual
expression determination section be reflected in the basic
barcode.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention,
another embodiment is a method of generating a barcode image, the
method comprising the steps of:
[0020] generating the barcode image based on a barcode ID;
[0021] inputting a meaningful feature related to the barcode image;
and
[0022] determining a visual expression specification of the barcode
image based on the meaningful feature inputted in the step of
inputting a meaningful feature,
[0023] wherein in the step of generating a barcode image,
generating a basic barcode image based on the barcode ID, and
generating the barcode by having the visual expression
specification determined by the visual expression determination
section be reflected in the basic barcode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing the approximate
functional structure of the barcode image generating apparatus of
the present embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printers 1 and 2 containing the barcode image
generating apparatus of the first and second embodiments;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the printers 1 and 2 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the first and second embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the process of determining visual expression in Step S30 of FIG. 3
and FIG. 18 with reference to printers 1 and 4;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation flow in the
process of generating the barcode image in the Step S40 of FIG. 3
and FIG. 14 with reference to printers 1, 2 and 3;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of processing in the
flow chart of FIG. 6 with reference to the printer 1;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of adjustment
process of synthesis in the flow chart of FIG. 6 with reference to
printers 1 and 2;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of processing in
the flow chart of FIG. 6 with reference to printer 1;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 2;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the process of determining visual expression in Step S30 of FIG. 3
with reference to print 2;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of processing
in the flow chart of FIG. 6 with reference to a printer 2;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printer 3 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the third embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the printer 3 containing the barcode image generating apparatus of
the third embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 3;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the process of determining visual expression in Step S30 of FIG. 14
with reference to printer 3;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printer 4 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the fourth embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 18 is an operation flow representing the approximate
structure of the printer 4 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the fourth embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 4;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the operation flow of the
process of generating a barcode image in Step S40 of FIG. 18 with
reference to a printer 4; and
[0044] FIGS. 21 (a), 21 (b) and 21 (c) are the diagrams
representing specific examples of a barcode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0045] The following describes the embodiments of the present
invention with reference to drawings. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that the present invention is not restricted
thereto. The present invention can be embodied in a great number of
variations with appropriate modification or additions, without
departing from the technological spirit and scope of the invention
claimed.
(Approximate Functional Structure of Barcode Image Generating
Apparatus)
[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing the approximate
functional structure of the barcode image generating apparatus of
the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the following
describes the approximate structure of the barcode image generating
apparatus.
[0047] In FIG. 1, 10 denotes a barcode image generating apparatus.
The barcode image generating apparatus 10 includes a feature input
section 11, visual expression determination section 12, barcode
image generation section 13 and others.
[0048] For visual representation, by the barcode image itself, of
the feature on the contents to be expressed by a barcode image in
addition to the ID information (barcode ID) of the contents, the
feature input section 11 extracts the contents features and inputs
them into the visual expression determination section 12. The
features to be extracted are exemplified by a character code
included in the contents, an image feature included in the
contents, or URL domain of the contents. Such data is inputted into
visual expression determination section 12 as the meaningful
feature of the content.
[0049] The visual expression determination section 12 has a feature
dictionary conforming to each of the types of the meaningful
features to be received, and is used to search for a related
feature. It also has an expression pattern dictionary for the
feature having been found out and searches for the corresponding
expression pattern image. For synthetic processing of the searched
expression pattern as the visual expression of the barcode image,
the visual expression determination section 12 sends it to the
barcode image generation section 13 as the visual expression
specifications.
[0050] Assume, for example, that the meaningful feature is the text
data of the contents. A search operation is performed to see
whether or not the text data having received contains the character
code conforming to the feature keyword described in the feature
keyword dictionary. Based on the feature keyword having been found
out, expression pattern dictionary is searched and the
corresponding expression pattern image is extracted. Specific
examples will be described later.
[0051] Based on the barcode ID for specifying the contents, the
barcode image generation section 13 generates a basic barcode
image, and a expression pattern image as a visual expression
specifications having received from the visual expression
determination section 12 is synthesized on the basic barcode image,
whereby the barcode image having the visual expression is produced.
This corresponds to the barcode image representing the barcode ID
provided with the visual expression representing the feature of the
contents.
[0052] As will be described later, it is also possible to make such
arrangements that the barcode image having the visual expression is
generated directly from the visual expression specifications, viz.,
the expression pattern, and the barcode ID corresponding thereto is
determined. Then it is given to the contents later on. (This is
shown by the flow given by a broken line in FIG. 1). Such
processing flow will be described later with reference to the
specific examples of the synthesis of the visual expression.
[0053] The above is the approximate description of the functional
elements constituting the barcode image generating apparatus 10.
This is intended to achieve the basic flow wherein the
corresponding barcode image based on the content is generated, and
is read, whereby the barcode ID (typically, the URL of the
contents) is obtained to allow access to the corresponding contents
itself.
[0054] This object can be achieved merely by reading the barcode ID
from the barcode image. In the present embodiment, the barcode
image itself has a visual expression, and the user can identify the
feature of the visually corresponding contents. Accordingly, the
contents to be obtained can be predicted to a certain extent in
advance, and therefore, the barcode reading operation can be
performed free from anxiety. Further, depending on the case, it is
possible to omit the reading that is not expected, thereby saving
time and labor.
[0055] FIG. 1 shows both the user 16 and barcode reading apparatus
17. The user 16 visually identifies the barcode image generated and
outputted by the barcode image generating apparatus 10, and checks
the feature to predict if the desired contents is present or not.
Based on this prediction, the user performs the operation of
reading the barcode image using the barcode reading apparatus 17,
with a certain degree of confidence as to the result. Thus, the
user gets the barcode ID and accesses the corresponding
content.
[0056] As the barcode image is used in the aforementioned process,
the barcode image generating apparatus 10 is not used
independently. It is connected to the printer directly or via the
network. Such data is printed on various types of media as a
barcode or is printed after having been superimposed onto other
printing document and printed images.
[0057] Further, the barcode image is generated on the server, Web
homepage or PDF document, and is stored or used as electronic data.
It is displayed on the terminal apparatus of PDA, electronic paper
and many others. Thus, there are various forms of usage of the
barcode image generating apparatus 10 as an apparatus.
[0058] As described above, the barcode image generating apparatus
10, can be connected with a printer, or a printer can incorporate
the barcode image generating function. Thus, the barcode image
generating apparatus 10 can be incorporated in another
apparatus.
[0059] The following describes some embodiments wherein the barcode
image generating apparatus 10 is incorporated in a printer:
FIRST EMBODIMENT
[0060] The following describes the first embodiment wherein the
printer 1 incorporating the barcode image generating apparatus:
<Structure of Printer 1>
[0061] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printer 1 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the first embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, the
following describes the printer 1 containing the barcode image
generating apparatus:
[0062] In FIG. 2, 10 denotes a barcode image generating apparatus.
The barcode image generating apparatus 10 contains a contents
feature extracting section 11, barcode visual expression
determination section 12, and barcode image generation section
13.
[0063] The printer 1 incorporating the barcode image generating
apparatus 10 acquires from the host computer 15 the printing image
A to be produced as a printed output by the printer and the
contents to be accessed in connection with the image A. Further, it
also acquires the barcode ID (typically the URL of the content) to
be outputted as a barcode image for access to the contents,
together with the image A.
[0064] The barcode image generating apparatus has functions of
converting this barcode ID into a barcode image, extracting the
feature from the contents and synthesizing it on the barcode image
as a visual expression.
[0065] The following describes the function of each component of
the printer 1:
[0066] The reference numeral 22 denotes a barcode contents
determining section, which determines the data represented by the
barcode. It is a so-called barcode ID, and is the information for
specifying the corresponding contents. It should be noted that, in
the present embodiment, the URL of the contents is used unless
otherwise specified.
[0067] The reference numeral 21 indicates a contents input section.
It is used to input the picture image through the barcode contents
determining section 22 based on the barcode ID, viz., URL of the
contents. Acquisition of contents is intended to extract the
significant feature of the content. The picture image of the
contents is inputted into the barcode image generating apparatus
10.
[0068] Further, the barcode ID, viz., contents URL, is also
inputted into the barcode image generating apparatus 10 by the
barcode contents determining section 22.
[0069] The function of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 is
as already described. The contents feature extracting section 11
serves as a feature input section for inputting the meaningful
feature based on the inputted contents. The barcode visual
expression determination section 12 serves as a visual expression
determination section that determines the visual expression
specifications based on the contents feature. The barcode image
generation section 13 serves as a barcode image generation section
of the present invention that generates the barcode image, based on
the barcode ID and visual expression specifications.
[0070] The reference numeral 23 indicates an image input section to
acquire the image A for printing. The image A for printing is a
target image that is to be printed out, and as a format of the
image A various forms are available as long as a general printer
can input the format. The barcode image is added to the part of the
printed output of this image A on the medium.
[0071] The reference numeral 24 indicates a printing image
generating section for printing. Various forms of the images A for
printing that have been acquired by the image input section 23 are
converted into the image data to be printed. For example, the image
data of CMYK2 value is generated at a resolution suited to the
printing section 26 (to be described later).
[0072] The reference numeral 25 indicates a barcode image
synthesizing section. The barcode image generated by the barcode
image generating apparatus 10 is superimposed on the image data for
printing generated by the printing image generating section 24.
[0073] The reference numeral 26 denotes a printing section. The
image for printing with the barcode image superimposed thereon by
the barcode image synthesizing section 25 is printed and outputted
on the recording medium such as paper.
[0074] The reference numeral 27 is a control section that controls
the execution of the aforementioned function of the printer 1, and
28 is an operation section. This allows the user to be involved in
the content of control via the interface (not illustrated). For
example, the barcode image generated by the barcode image
generating apparatus 10 is shown on the display and printing
operation can be performed in response to the key input denoting
the confirmation by the user.
<Operation Flow of Printer 1>
[0075] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the printer 1 containing the barcode image generating apparatus.
Referring to FIG. 3, the following describes the operation flow of
outputting the print with a barcode image by means of the printer 1
including the barcode image generating apparatus. Reference will be
made to FIG. 2, as required.
[0076] In Step S11, the barcode ID is determined as the contents of
barcode by the barcode contents determining section 22. Here it
corresponds to the URL of the contents to be referred to by the
barcode. In Step S12, the picture image of the contents is inputted
by the content input section 21, based on the barcode ID.
[0077] In Step S13, the image A for printing is acquired by the
image input section 23. In the next Step S14, the acquired image A
for printing is converted into the image data to be printed by the
printing image generating section 24.
[0078] A barcode image is generated in the next Step S20, Step S30
and Step S40 based on the picture image of the contents acquired in
Step S11 and Step S12, and the ID (URL) thereof. To be more
specific, the operation of generating the barcode image by the
barcode image generating apparatus 10 is performed in Step S20,
Step S30 and Step S40.
[0079] Step S20 is a feature input process, wherein the contents
feature extracting section 11 extracts the meaningful feature from
the inputted content. Step S30 is a visual expression determining
process wherein the barcode visual expression determination section
12 determines the visual expression specifications from the
contents feature. Step S40 is a barcode image generating process
wherein the barcode image generation section 13 generates a barcode
image based on the barcode ID and visual expression
specifications.
[0080] In the next Step S51, the barcode image generated by the
barcode image generating apparatus 10 is superimposed on the image
for printing acquired in Step S14 by the barcode image synthesizing
section 25. In the final Step S52, the image A for printing with
the barcode having been superimposed thereon is printed out by the
printing section 26.
<Structure of Barcode Image Generating Apparatus 10 and
Operation Flow>
[0081] Referring to drawings, the following describes the more
detailed structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 of
the printer 1, and the operation flow.
[0082] FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 1. Referring to FIG. 4, the following
describes the approximate structure of the barcode image generating
apparatus 10.
[0083] The following describes the operation flow of each process
with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6:
[0084] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the process of determining visual expression corresponding to Step
S30 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation flow in
the process of generating the barcode image corresponding to Step
S40 of FIG. 3.
[0085] The barcode image generating apparatus 10 of FIG. 4 includes
a contents feature extracting section 11, the barcode visual
expression determination section 12, and the barcode image
generation section 13.
[0086] The contents feature extracting section 11 extracts the
character code as a meaningful feature from the picture image of
the content having been acquired. In Step S31a, the character code
is handed over to the barcode visual expression determination
section 12.
[0087] The barcode visual expression determination section 12
includes a keyword search section 121a, feature keyword dictionary
122a. The feature keyword dictionary 122a includes a plurality of
feature keywords, and the keyword search section 121a searches the
character string of the content obtained from the contents feature
extracting section 11 to find out the character code corresponding
to the feature keyword (Step S32a), and extracts the corresponding
feature keyword (Step S33a).
[0088] The barcode visual expression determination section 12 is
further equipped with an expression pattern search section 123a and
expression pattern dictionary 124a. The expression pattern
dictionary 124a contains an expression pattern image in response to
each feature keyword. The expression pattern search section 123a
searches the expression pattern dictionary 124a to find out the
expression pattern image corresponding to the feature keyword
extracted from the keyword search section 121a (Step S34), and
extracts the corresponding expression pattern image (Step S35).
[0089] The barcode image generation section 13 includes a color
pattern image generating section 131, color pattern masking section
132, and image synthesizing section 133. Based on the barcode ID
(URL), the color pattern image generating section 131 generates the
color pattern image as a basic barcode image (Step S41). The color
pattern image can be created by a conventional method. The
following description is based on the method known as a color zip
specification.
[0090] In the meantime, the color pattern masking section 132 masks
the color pattern image (Step S42). This is used to ensure that the
color pattern image, viz., information included in the barcode, is
not damaged when an expression pattern image is synthesized
later.
[0091] The image synthesizing section 133 superimposes an
expression pattern image onto the color pattern image (Step S43).
The expression pattern image is a visual expression such as text
data, and a visual expression is applied to the barcode (e.g., the
characters of the expression pattern can be read).
[0092] The image synthesizing section 133 again superimposes the
masked color pattern image obtained in Step S42, onto the color
pattern image superimposed as obtained in Step S43 (Step S44). Even
if the information is damaged in the first synthesis, the damage
can be repaired by this process. Further, when synthesis is carried
out, various adjustments are made to maintain information (Step
S45). The details of adjustment will be explained later with
reference to FIG. 8.
[0093] Thus, the barcode image as the output of the barcode image
generating apparatus 10 is generated (Step S46).
[0094] The description of the generation of a barcode image is now
complete.
<Example of Generating the Barcode Image by Barcode Image
Generating Apparatus 10>
[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, the following describes an example of
generating a barcode image by the barcode image generating
apparatus 10 of the printer 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the
process of generating a color barcode and superimposing an
expression pattern thereon, whereby the barcode image is provided
with a visual expression. It corresponds to the processing of the
flow chart in FIG. 6.
[0096] Assume the following procedure in the preceding step: The
feature keyword dictionary 122a retains the keyword of "PRESIDENT".
Matching with the character string of the content has been found
out by the keyword search section 121a, and the feature keyword
"PRESIDENT" has been extracted according to the frequency thereof
or other adequate selection standards.
[0097] Then the expression pattern dictionary 124a is searched by
the expression pattern search section 123a, and an expression
pattern, "IMPORTANT", corresponding to the feature keyword
"PRESIDENT" has been found out. The expression pattern is converted
according to the appropriate font dictionary (not illustrated), and
the expression pattern image 32 including a designed character
"IMPORTANT" is extracted. The expression pattern image 32
represents Japanese kanji characters denoting "IMPORTANT". These
characters contain the intension of visually appearing that it is
literally "important". This is superimposed on the color barcode as
a visual expression.
[0098] In the meantime, in Step S41 of FIG. 6, the color pattern
image 31 as a basic barcode image is created according to the
barcode ID by the color pattern image generating section 131. Here
a color barcode image will be created based on the color zip
specifications. However, any desired conventional method can be
used to create the barcode.
[0099] In the color zip specifications, a barcode is made up of a
plurality of cells arranged in the form of a matrix. Each cell is
assigned with its specific color so that the information included
in the color arrangement, viz., the barcode ID can be read.
[0100] A color pattern image 31 is made up of 5.times.5 cells, and
each cell is assigned with any one of the four colors--R, G, B and
BK (red, green, blue and black)--as indicated by 31a.
[0101] In Step S42, the color pattern image 31 is masked and the
masked color pattern image 33 is obtained. In the masked color
pattern image 33, the color arrangement of each cell remains only
in a predetermined area at the center of each cell, and is deleted
from other areas. This is intended to ensure that the color
arrangement remains only in the area essential to read out the
information, and colors can be deleted from other areas by
superimposition of the expression pattern. This is based on the
restriction of the color zip specifications.
[0102] In Step S43, an expression pattern image 32 is superimposed
on the color pattern image 31. Here a process of superimposition is
applied in such a way the portion of "IMPORTANT" is shown in a
white patch, namely, color information in the portion is lost. As
will be described later, black characters may be used, depending on
the degree of brightness of the entire image.
[0103] In Step S44, the masked color pattern image 33 is further
subjected to a process of synthesis. As described above, color
arrangement for the portion essential to read out information is
kept undeleted.
[0104] As a result, the barcode image 34 containing a visual
expression is obtained in Step S46.
[0105] Further, this barcode image 34 is superimposed on the image
for printing, is produced as a printed output, and is often used as
a printed output 35 containing a barcode image.
[0106] The following is a supplementary description of the
adjustment of the process of synthesis in Step S45 with reference
to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of
adjustment in synthesis.
[0107] In FIG. 8, the area specific to each cell is adjusted in
Step S61. When the expression pattern image 32 is superimposed on
the color pattern image 31, part of the color arrangement of each
cell is lost. However, adjustment is made so that the designated
color arrangement will account for 40% or more of the entire cell.
This is due to the restriction of the color zip specifications. To
put it more specifically, the required conditions are met by the
process of reducing the width of the portion of characters of the
expression pattern.
[0108] In Step S62, adjustment is made of the method for synthesis.
This is intended to enhance the user visibility. For example, to
enhance the contrast of the character "IMPORTANT", black characters
are used when the portion of color arrangement is bright, whereas a
white patch is used for synthesis when the portion of color
arrangement is not bright.
[0109] In Step S63, adjustment is made to ensure that a
predetermined area of the center of each cell will contain the
color arrangement designated by the cell. This is also due to the
restriction of the color zip specifications. This can be achieved
by superimposition of the masked color pattern image 33.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 9, the following describes another example
of generating a barcode image using the barcode image generating
apparatus 10. FIG. 9 shows the process of giving a visual
expression to a barcode image by generating the color barcode and
superimposing the expression pattern, and corresponds also to the
process of shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6.
[0111] The difference from the aforementioned description is that
alphabets "ISO" are designed as an expression pattern image 36. The
color pattern image 31 as a basic barcode image is the same as
described above.
[0112] The expression pattern image 36 is designed so that each
letter of the "ISO" is assigned to a cell, and the center of each
cell corresponds to the letter portion at that time. Thus, if color
arrangement is given in the letter portion at the time of
synthesis, color arrangement at the cell center is ensured, even if
mask processing is not performed.
[0113] In the case of a string of a Japanese kanji, such processing
is difficult. It is also possible to make such arrangements that
the expression pattern dictionary 124a is provided with a function
of converting the Japanese kanji into corresponding alphabet
(letter).
[0114] In the synthesized barcode image 37, the designated color
arrangement remains in the portion of letter "ISO". A white
background is used to improve the visibility. Thus, the barcode
image with visual expression can be generated more simply and
efficiently since the process of masking is eliminated.
[0115] In the printer 1 incorporating the barcode image generating
apparatus 10, the barcode image including a visual expression with
an adequate character string designed thereon can be generated
simply and effectively in response to the feature keyword of a
string of characters included in the content. This can be produced
as printed matter. The user of such a printed output is allowed to
estimate the description of the content that can be accessed from
the barcode by observing a string of characters designed on the
barcode. This eliminates the need of accessing an unwanted content,
and ensures more effective access to a desired content.
Second Embodiment
[0116] The printer 2 incorporating a barcode image generating
apparatus will be explained as a second embodiment:
<Structure and Operation Flow of Printer 2>
[0117] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printer 2 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus as a second embodiment. The difference of the printer 2
from the printer 1 is found only in the barcode image generating
apparatus 10, and the other portions are the same. Thus, the
approximate structure of the printer 2 incorporating the barcode
image generating apparatus will not be described.
[0118] In FIG. 2, 10 denotes a barcode image generating apparatus.
The barcode image generating apparatus 10 includes a contents
feature extracting section 11, the barcode visual expression
determination section 12, and the barcode image generation section
13.
[0119] The functions of the barcode image generating apparatus 10
have already been described. The contents feature extracting
section 11 serves as a feature input section for inputting a
meaningful feature from the inputted content. The barcode visual
expression determination section 12 serves as a visual expression
determination section for determining the visual expression
specifications from the contents feature. The barcode image
generation section 13 serves as a barcode image generation section
of the present invention that generates a barcode image based on
the barcode ID and visual expression specifications.
[0120] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the printer 2 containing the barcode image generating apparatus as
a second embodiment. The only difference between the operation of
the printer 2 and that of the printer 1 is found in Step S20, Step
S30 and Step S40 related to the barcode image generating apparatus
10, and the other portions are the same. Thus, the operation flow
of the printer 2 including the barcode image generating apparatus
will not be descried.
[0121] Step S20 is a feature input process. The contents feature
extracting section 11 extracts the meaningful feature from the
inputted contents. Step S30 is a visual expression determining
process, and the barcode visual expression determination section 12
determines the visual expression specifications from the contents
feature. Step S40 is a barcode image generating process. The
barcode image generation section 13 generates a barcode image based
on the barcode ID and visual expression specifications.
<Structure and Operation Flow of Barcode Image Generating
Apparatus 10>
[0122] Referring to FIG. 2, the following provides a detailed
description of the structure and operation flow of the barcode
image generating apparatus 10 of the printer 2.
[0123] FIG. 10 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 2. The following describes the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to FIG. 10.
[0124] The operation flow of each process will be explained with
reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 6.
[0125] FIG. 11 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the process of determining visual expression in Step S30 of FIG. 3.
Similarly, FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation flow in the
process of generating the barcode image in the Step S40 of FIG.
3.
[0126] The barcode image generating apparatus 10 of FIG. 10 is made
up of a contents feature extracting section 11, barcode visual
expression determination section 12, and barcode image generation
section 13.
[0127] The contents feature extracting section 11 extracts an image
feature as a meaningful feature from the picture image of the
acquired contents. In Step S31b, the image feature of the content
is handed over to the barcode visual expression determination
section 12.
[0128] The barcode visual expression determination section 12
contains a specific image search section 121b and specific image
feature dictionary 122b. The specific image feature dictionary 122b
stores image feature values of a plurality of specific images. The
specific image search section 121b searches the image feature of
the contents obtained from the contents feature extracting section
11 to find out the image features corresponding to the image
feature values of these specific images (Step S32b), and determines
the presence or absence of the corresponding specific image (Step
S33b).
[0129] The barcode visual expression determination section 12
further includes an expression pattern search section 123b and
expression pattern dictionary 124b. The expression pattern
dictionary 124b stores an expression pattern image for each of the
specific images. If there is a specific image extracted by the
specific image search section 121b, the expression pattern search
section 123b searches the expression pattern dictionary 124b to
find out the corresponding expression pattern image (Step S34), and
extracts the corresponding expression pattern image (Step S35).
[0130] The barcode image generation section 13 includes a color
pattern image generating section 131, color pattern masking section
132 and image synthesizing section 133. The color pattern image
generating section 131 generates the color pattern image as a basic
barcode image based on the barcode ID (URL) (Step S41). The color
pattern image can be created by a commonly known method. The method
known as color zip specifications is used here.
[0131] In the meantime, the color pattern masking section 132 masks
the color pattern image (Step S42). This is intended to make a
correction to ensure that color pattern image, namely, the
information contained in the barcode will not be damaged, when the
expression pattern image is synthesized later.
[0132] The image synthesizing section 133 superimposes an
expression pattern image to the color pattern image (Step S43). The
expression pattern image is formed in a visual expression such as a
character and provides a barcode with a visual expression (e.g.,
the character of the expression pattern can be read).
[0133] The image synthesizing section 133 further superimposes the
masked color pattern image obtained in Step S42 onto the
superimposed color pattern image obtained in Step S43 (Step S44).
Thus, even if the information is damaged in the first synthesis,
the damage can be repaired. In the synthesis, various adjustments
are made to maintain information (Step S45). The details of the
adjustment are the same as those described with reference to FIG.
8.
[0134] The aforementioned procedure generates a barcode image as an
output of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 (Step S46).
[0135] The description of the generation of the barcode image is
now complete.
<Example of Generating the Barcode Image by Barcode Image
Generating Apparatus 10>
[0136] Referring to FIG. 12, the following describes an example of
generating the barcode image by the barcode image generating
apparatus 10 of the printer 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the
process of giving a visual expression to a barcode image by
generating the color barcode and superimposing an expression
pattern thereon. This process corresponds to the operation of
processing in the flow chart of FIG. 6.
[0137] These descriptions are basically the same as those of the
printer 1 as the first embodiment. The following describes only the
difference.
[0138] Assume the following procedure in the preceding step: The
specific image feature dictionary 122b stores feature values of
unpleasant images as specific images, and matching with the
contents image feature is found by the specific image search
section 121b. Further, a specific image "UNPLEASANT IMAGE" is
determined to be included, according to its frequency and other
selection standards.
[0139] Assume further that the expression pattern dictionary 124b
is searched by the expression pattern search section 123b, and an
expression pattern "CAUTION" is found out in response to the
specific image "UNPLEASANT IMAGE". the expression pattern is
converted based on the appropriate font dictionary (not
illustrated) and others, and the expression pattern image 32
including the letters "ATTENTION" designed thereon is extracted.
The expression pattern image 32 represents a Japanese kanji
character denoting "ATTENTION". These characters contain the
intension of visually appearing that it is literally "requiring
caution". This is superimposed on the color barcode as a visual
expression.
[0140] In the meantime, in Step S41 of FIG. 6, a color pattern
image 31 as a basic barcode image is created by the color pattern
image generating section 131 based on the barcode ID. Here it is
assumed that a color barcode image is produced according to the
color zip specifications.
[0141] The color zip specifications have already been discussed.
The color pattern image 31 is made up of 5.times.5 cells, and four
colors R, G, B and Bk (red, green, blue and black) shown in 31a are
arranged in each cell.
[0142] In Step S42, the color pattern image 31 is masked to get a
masked color pattern image 33. The process of masking is the same
as that described above.
[0143] In Step S43, the expression pattern image 32 is superimposed
on the color pattern image 31. Here the letters "CAUTION" are shown
in a white patch. In other words, the process of synthesis is
carried out so that the color information on that portion is
lost.
[0144] In Step S44, the masked color pattern image 33 is further
superimposed. As described above, the color arrangement on the
portion essential to read out information is ensured.
[0145] Thus, the barcode image 34 containing a visual expression is
obtained in Step S46.
[0146] This barcode image 34 is superimposed on the image for
printing and is produces as a printed output. It is often used as a
printed output 35 with barcode image.
[0147] The adjustment at the time of synthesis in Step S45 is the
same as that described with reference to FIG. 8. The above
description with reference to FIG. 9 also applies to the process of
designing letters to eliminate the need of masking, and simple and
efficient generation of a barcode image incorporating a visual
expression can be similarly realized.
[0148] In the printer 2 incorporating a barcode image generating
apparatus 10, the presence or absence of a specific image can be
determined from the image feature contained in the contents, and
the barcode image including a visual expression with an adequate
character string designed thereon can be generated simply and
effectively in response thereto. This can be produced as printed
matter. The user of such a printed output is allowed to estimate
the description of the contents that can be accessed from the
barcode by observing a string of characters designed on the
barcode. This eliminates the need of accessing an unwanted content,
and ensure more effective access to desired contents.
Third Embodiment
[0149] The following describes the printer 3 incorporating a
barcode image generating apparatus as a third embodiment:
<Structure and Operation Flow of Printer 3>
[0150] FIG. 13 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printer 3 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the third embodiment. The printer 3 only differs from
the printers 1 and 2 in the details of the barcode image generating
apparatus 10 and in lack of the content input section 21. The other
parts are the same. Accordingly, the approximate structure of the
printer 3 including the barcode image generating apparatus will be
described briefly.
[0151] In FIG. 13, 10 denotes a barcode image generating apparatus.
The barcode image generating apparatus 10 includes a domain
determining section 11b, barcode visual expression determination
section 12 and barcode image generation section 13.
[0152] The functions of the barcode image generating apparatus 10
have already been described. The domain determining section 11b
serves as a feature input section for inputting a meaningful
feature (domain) from the contents. The barcode visual expression
determination section 12 serves as a visual expression
determination section to determine the visual expression
specifications from the contents feature. The barcode image
generation section 13 serves as a barcode image generation section
of the present invention for generating a barcode image based on
the barcode ID and visual expression specifications.
[0153] FIG. 14 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the printer 3 containing the barcode image generating apparatus of
the third embodiment. The operation of the printer 3 differs from
that of the printers 1 and 2 in the details of Step S20, Step S30
and Step S40 with reference to the barcode image generating
apparatus 10, and in lack of content input of Step S12. The other
parts are the same. Accordingly, the operation flow of the printer
3 including the barcode image generating apparatus will be
described briefly.
[0154] Step S21 is a feature input process. The domain determining
section 11b extracts the meaningful feature (domain) from the
contents URL. Step S30 is a visual expression determining process,
and the barcode visual expression determination section 12
determines the visual expression specifications from the content
feature (domain). Step S40 is a barcode image generating process,
and the barcode image generation section 13 generates the barcode
image according to the barcode ID and visual expression
specifications.
[0155] The following describes the portions wherein FIG. 13 and
FIG. 14 are different from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, except for the
portion related to the barcode image generating apparatus 10.
[0156] After the content URL has been acquired as a barcode ID by
the barcode contents determining section 22, the URL as a barcode
ID is handed over to the barcode image generating apparatus 10. At
the same time, the content URL is also handed over thereto, and the
domain is identified from the URL by the domain determining section
11b.
[0157] Accordingly, since the URL domain is used as the meaningful
feature on the content, the content input section 21 is not
necessary, and the contents input in Step S12 is not needed,
either.
<Structure and Operation Flow of Barcode Image Generating
Apparatus 10>
[0158] The following describes the greater details of the structure
and operation flow of the barcode image generating apparatus of the
printer 3 with reference to drawings:
[0159] FIG. 15 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 3. The following describes the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to FIG. 15:
[0160] Referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 6, the following describes the
operation flow of each process:
[0161] FIG. 16 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the process of determining visual expression corresponding to Step
S30 of FIG. 14. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation flow
in the process of generating the barcode image corresponding to the
Step S40 of FIG. 3.
[0162] The barcode image generating apparatus 10 of FIG. 15
includes a domain determining section 11b, barcode visual
expression determination section 12, and barcode image generation
section 13.
[0163] The domain determining section 11b extracts the domain as a
meaningful feature from the contents URL having been obtained. In
the first place, in Step S31c, the contents domain is handed over
to the barcode visual expression determination section 12.
[0164] The barcode visual expression determination section 12
includes a specific domain search section 121c and a dictionary
122c of specific domains. The dictionary 122c of the specific
domains stores a plurality of specific domains, and the specific
domain search section 121c searches the dictionary 122c of the
specific domains to find out the domain matching the domain of the
contents obtained from the domain determining section 11b (Step
S32c). A decision step is taken to determine whether or not it
corresponds to the specific domain (Step S33c).
[0165] The barcode visual expression determination section 12
further includes an expression pattern search section 123c and
expression pattern dictionary 124c. The expression pattern
dictionary 124c stores an expression pattern image for each of the
specific domains. If a specific domain has been identified by the
specific domain search section 121c, the expression pattern search
section 123c searches the expression pattern dictionary 124c to
find out the corresponding expression pattern image (Step S34), and
extracts the corresponding expression pattern image (Step S35).
[0166] The barcode image generation section 13 is provided with a
color pattern image generating section 131, color pattern masking
section 132 and image synthesizing section 133. Their functions and
the processes from Step S41 through Step S46 in the process of
generating a barcode image shown in FIG. 6 are the same as those
described with reference to the printers 1 and 2, and will not be
described to avoid duplication.
[0167] Description of the generation of a barcode image is now
complete.
[0168] The example of generating the barcode image by the barcode
image generating apparatus 10 is the same as those of the printers
1 and 2, and will not be described to avoid duplication.
[0169] In the first and second embodiments, the expression pattern
image is created by identifying the description of the contents.
When the URL contained in the barcode includes meaningful
information, there is no need for referring to the description of
the contents. For example, the URL domain name is significant to
the user in estimating the content. In the printer 3 as the third
embodiment, the domain is used as a meaningful feature of the
content.
[0170] As described above, in the printer 3 equipped with the
barcode image generating apparatus 10, the domain name included in
the contents URL is utilized. This eliminates the need of referring
to the description of the contents, and permits simple and
effective generation of a barcode image containing a visual
expression with a string of appropriate characters designed
thereon. The user of such a printed output is allowed to estimate
the description of the contents that can be accessed from the
barcode by visually observing a string of characters designed on
the barcode. This eliminates the need of accessing an unwanted
content, and ensure more effective access to a desired content.
Fourth Embodiment
[0171] The following describes the printer 4 including the barcode
image generating apparatus as a fourth embodiment.
<Structure and Operation Flow of Printer 4>
[0172] FIG. 17 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the printer 4 containing the barcode image generating
apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The difference of the printer 4
from the printers 1 and 2 is found only in the barcode image
generating apparatus 10, and the other ports are the same. Thus,
the approximate structure of the printer 4 incorporating the
barcode image generating apparatus will not be described.
[0173] In FIG. 17, 10 indicates a barcode image generating
apparatus. The barcode image generating apparatus 10 includes a
contents feature extracting section 11, barcode visual expression
determination section 12 and barcode image generation section
13.
[0174] The functions of the barcode image generating apparatus 10
have already described. The contents feature extracting section 11
serves as a feature input section for inputting the significant
feature from the content input, and the barcode visual expression
determination section 12 serves as a visual expression
determination section for determining the visual expression
specifications from the content feature. The barcode image
generation section 13 serves as a barcode image generation section
of the present invention for generating a barcode image, based on
the barcode ID and visual expression specifications.
[0175] FIG. 18 is a flow chart representing the operation flow of
the printer 4 containing the barcode image generating apparatus as
a fourth embodiment. The difference between the operation of the
printer 4 and those of the printers 1 and 2 is found in that the
contents in the Step S20, Step S30 and Step S40 of the barcode
image generating apparatus 10, and the contents of the barcode
determined by the barcode contents determining section 22 are not
given from the contents such as URL prior to generation of the
barcode image; conversely, the barcode ID is determined in response
to the barcode to be generated, and is assigned to the contents as
an ID. Thus, the operation flow of the FIG. 18 will be described
with the major emphasis placed on the main difference of the flow
order from those of the printers 1 and 2.
[0176] In the first place, the picture image of the content is
inputted through the content input section 21 in Step S12. Unlike
the case with the printers 1 and 2, the barcode ID is not yet
determined in this stage. The URL should be acquired to input the
content, if required.
[0177] In the meantime, in Step S13, the image A for printing is
acquired by the image input section 23. In the next Step S14,
acquired image A for printing is converted into the image data to
be printed, by the printing image generating section 24. This is
the same as the cases with the printers 1 and 2.
[0178] According to the picture image of the contents obtained in
Step S12, a barcode image is generated in the next Step S20, Step
S30 and Step S40. To be more specific, the Step S20, Step S30 and
Step S40 indicate the operation of generating the barcode image by
the barcode image generating apparatus 10.
[0179] Step S20 is a feature input process. The contents feature
extracting section 11 extracts a significant feature from the
content input. Step S30 is a visual expression determining process,
and the barcode visual expression determination section 12
determines the visual expression specifications from the content
feature. Step S40 is a barcode image generating process, and the
barcode image generation section 13 generates a barcode image
according to the barcode ID and visual expression
specifications.
[0180] The step of processing by the aforementioned barcode image
generating apparatus 10 is basically the same as those of the
printers 1 and 2. It should be noted, however, that, in Step S30 as
will be described later, a barcode image is generated by the
barcode image generation section 13, and the corresponding barcode
ID is determined according to the visual expression specifications.
To be more specific, the barcode ID is determined from the barcode
image having a visual expression.
[0181] Thus, in the next Step S53, the barcode ID is handed over to
the barcode contents determining section 22. In Step S54, the
barcode ID as contents of the barcode is sent to the host computer
15, and is assigned to the contents as a barcode ID.
[0182] In the meantime, in the next Step S51, the barcode image
generated by the barcode image generating apparatus 10 is
superimposed with the image for printing obtained in Step S14, by
the barcode image synthesizing section 25. The synthesized image A
for printing with a barcode is printed out by the printing section
26 in the final Step S52.
<Structure and Operation Flow of Barcode Image Generating
Apparatus 10>
[0183] The following describes the greater details of the structure
and operation flow of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 of
the printer 4 with reference to drawings:
[0184] FIG. 19 is a block diagram representing the approximate
structure of the barcode image generating apparatus 10 with
reference to a printer 4. Referring to FIG. 19, the following
describes the approximate structure of the barcode image generating
apparatus 10:
[0185] The barcode image generating apparatus 10 of FIG. 19
includes a contents feature extracting section 11, barcode visual
expression determination section 12 and barcode image generation
section 13.
[0186] The internal structure of the contents feature extracting
section 11 and barcode visual expression determination section 12
is the same as those of the printers 1 and 2 as the first
embodiment, and will not be described to avoid duplication.
[0187] The barcode image generation section 13 is provided with a
barcode ID determining section 134, and color pattern image
generating section 131, unlike the cases of the printers 1 and 2.
The barcode ID determining section 134 determines the barcode ID
according to the specifications of the expression pattern received
from the barcode visual expression determination section 12.
[0188] The following describes the operation flow:
[0189] The feature input process in the Step S20 of FIG. 18 by the
contents feature extracting section 11 is the same as those of the
printers 1 and 2, and will not be described to avoid duplication.
The visual expression determining process in Step S30 by the
barcode visual expression determination section 12 is also the same
as those of the printers 1 and 2, which have already been described
with reference to FIG. 5.
[0190] The barcode image generating process in Step S40 by the
barcode image generation section 13 is different from those of the
printers 1 and 2. Referring to FIG. 20, the following describes the
operation of generating a barcode image. FIG. 20 is a flow chart
showing the operation flow of the process of generating a barcode
image in Step S40 of FIG. 18.
[0191] In FIG. 20, in the first place, the barcode ID is determined
by the barcode ID determining section 134 according to the
specifications of the expression pattern in Step S47. For example,
when the pattern tincture is designated as the specifications of
the expression pattern in response to the content feature, the ID
which is selected from among a plurality of Ids of color pattern
images and corresponds to the tincture is determined as the barcode
ID.
[0192] In Step S41, the color pattern image corresponding to the
barcode ID selected in Step S47 is generated by the color pattern
image generating section 131. This is a basic barcode image.
However, since the one meeting the specifications of the expression
pattern is already selected, this color pattern image is outputted
as a barcode image in Step S46.
[0193] The process of generating the barcode image is now
complete.
[0194] Up to the aforementioned third embodiment, the URL or the
like that can refer to the contents directly has been set as a
barcode ID. It is also possible to specify the contents indirectly
from the barcode and referring it wherein the unique ID capable of
referring to the content is assumed as the contents of the barcode.
In this case, selection can be made from various types of unique
IDs and, conversely, the color pattern image of the barcode can be
selected and changed by selecting a unique ID. To be more specific,
the color pattern of the barcode can be controlled in response to
the contents by selecting a unique ID of the barcode conforming to
a desired visual expression.
[0195] In the barcode image generating apparatus of the present
embodiment, for example, "For Male User" or "For Female User" is
determined as a contents feature from the character code or image
feature. The "Blue-based pattern" or "Red-based pattern"
specification is respectively designated as a corresponding
expression pattern.
[0196] According to this expression pattern specification, the
barcode ID determining section 134 selects an appropriate unique ID
from the unique IDs generating the "Blue-based pattern" or the
unique IDs generating the "Red-based pattern" that meets the
specification, namely, that can be utilized. The color pattern
image generating section 131 generates a color pattern image as the
"Blue-based pattern" or "Red-based pattern" corresponding to that
ID.
[0197] As described above, in the printer 4 equipped with a barcode
image generating apparatus 10, the unique ID is outputted to the
host computer and is assigned to the contents, thereby ensuring
simple and effective generation of the barcode image containing a
diversified, easy-to-understand visual expression without the need
of masking or synthesis. The resulting image can be formed into
printed matter. The user of such a printed output is allowed to
estimate the description of the content that can be accessed from
the barcode, by visually observing the design of the barcode. This
eliminates the need of accessing an unwanted content, and ensure
more effective access to a desired content.
[0198] In the aforementioned embodiments, a barcode image
generating function is incorporated in the printer. Further, the
barcode image generating apparatus can be used independently.
Alternatively, the barcode image generating apparatus can be
included in another apparatus, or can be connected with a printer
or external apparatus directly or via the network. Further, the
barcode image can be generated for use with a server, web-oriented
homepage or PDF document. Alternatively, it can be stored or used
as electronic data, or displayed on the terminal apparatus for the
PDA and electronic paper. In this manner, it can be used for
various forms of applications. Thus, the barcode image generating
apparatus can be used for various purposes depending on the
particular requirement.
[0199] The aforementioned arrangement allows the barcode user to
estimate the result of reading the barcode in advance by visually
observing the visual expression designed on a barcode and hence to
read the barcode free from anxiety. This eliminates the need of
unwanted reading, and ensures effective access to desired
information.
[0200] The present embodiment ensures simple generation of the
barcode image containing the adequate visual expression conforming
to barcode contents by extracting the meaningful feature related to
the barcode contents, based on which a visual expression
specification is determined, thereby generating a barcode image
conforming to the visual expression specification.
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